Nitric oxide, commonly abbreviated NO, is a free-form gas that is naturally produced in the body. Nitric oxide has a variety of functions and, as understanding of its potential benefits grows, supplements containing the chemical are becoming more common. While it is a natural and has many benefits, NO may also have serious side effects and may not be beneficial to everyone. Consult your doctor before beginning any form of supplementation.
Nitric Oxide in the Body
Nitric oxide is a gas made from the amino acid L-arginine. The gas is released in a brief burst in the muscles and quickly dissipates. Nitric oxide immediately acts as a vasodilator, relaxing the blood vessels that lead into the muscles. This allows for increased blood flow, giving the muscles the oxygen and fuel necessary to complete strenuous activity. The body naturally produces its own nitric oxide during exercise, but athletes and bodybuilders sometimes find it beneficial to supplement with nitric oxide.
Potential Benefits of Supplementation
The naturally occurring benefits of nitric oxide may be augmented by supplementation. According to exercise science writer Shannon Clark of Bodybuilding.com, the vasodilatory effects of nitric oxide may have a variety of benefits to athletes. The increased blood flow can reduce recovery time, improve endurance during both strength and cardiovascular training and improved use of glucose fuel. A temporary benefit of nitric oxide supplementation is that the muscles will noticeably increase in size for a brief period of time after the workout.
Expert Insight
The fitness reference website ExRx.net published a review of the research regarding the efficacy of nitric oxide, scientifically referred to as arginine-alpha-keto-glutarate. The body of research regarding nitric oxide has shown that supplementation can help increase strength through improved blood flow and increased levels of anabolic hormones. There is no solid evidence to suggest that nitric oxide causes increase in muscle size, but this may occur as an indirect effect.
Warnings and Considerations
There are many commercially available nitric oxide supplements that all vary slightly in their ingredients. The amino acid arginine is converted by the body into nitric oxide and is included most nitric oxide supplements. This substance may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, hormonal imbalances and allergic reactions such as rashes. People with impaired kidney function, diabetes and low blood pressure should use caution when considering nitric oxide supplementation. Talk to your doctor to be sure that you have no factors that may react poorly to nitric oxide.
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